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Carrollton, TX
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Orthodontics

In Carrollton, TX

Introduction

Orthodontics Introduction

Every week we see new patients of all ages in our office that are afraid to smile because their teeth or jaw are misaligned. Or, a parent complains to us that their child is experiencing eating discomfort due to an overbite, underbite or teeth crowding. Are you or one of your family members currently dealing with these issues? If so, one of the practice areas that Dr. Bhandaru sub-specializes in is orthodontia care.

Patient having their teeth examined

What is Orthodontics?

The field of orthodontics involves a-variety-of restorative procedures that can effectively correct mouth irregularities, and restore a person’s natural smile, based upon age, lifestyle, and level of correction needed. One of the more common forms of orthodontia care that Dr. Bhandaru uses in our office is braces. Braces work by applying pressure over time that slowly eases a patient’s teeth in a desired direction. When the course-of-treatment is finished, our patients can’t wait to show off their new smiles to others!

Woman holding her clear aligners

How can I tell if I need orthodontic care?

Most teeth misalignments, also called malocclusions, begin early during our childhood years. The sooner the diagnosis and treatment begins, the faster the patient will feel and look better. These are some of the natural smile “disrupters” that we routinely see at Carrollton Smiles:

  • Underbites and overbites
  • Crooked teeth
  • Wide gaps between teeth
  • Premature wearing or trauma to teeth
  • Tooth tips that are misaligned
  • Speech and chewing discomfort

If you or anyone in your family is currently experiencing any of these challenges, the good news is that orthodontia procedures exist that can reliably correct these problems. Early orthodontic problem diagnosis, prevention and correction has further been found to improve the long-term oral health of patients when it’s carried out by a highly-trained dentist like Dr. Bhandaru. In most instances, an orthodontic appliance is used to bring about the needed correction.

What types of orthodontic appliance exist?

Depending upon the level and type of correction needed, we use these orthodontia appliances on our patients at Carrollton Smiles:

SureSmile®

SureSmile® is an advanced orthodontic system that uses 3D imaging and digital treatment planning to create customized clear aligners or specialized wires to straighten teeth, often faster and more accurately than traditional methods. It offers a removable, nearly invisible alternative to metal braces for treating mild to complex, cases.

Fixed braces

A series of non-removable bands made of brackets are glued to your individual teeth, and linked with wires, to guide the teeth into place over a period-of-time.

Removable braces

Used mostly in patients with minor teeth alignment issues, these are usually plastic plates that cover the roof of the mouth while clipping onto some of your teeth. Invisalign is a newer example of this type of appliance.

Braces

Braces might be considered a rite of passage for young people, much like getting a first driver’s license. An array of wires, brackets, and springs provide combinations for numerous treatment scenarios. Sometimes clear brackets and tooth-colored wires can help hide the hardware, leading to an ideal outcome with minimal display during the process. Dr. Bhandaru will help you explore the options and timing if braces fit your treatment scenario.

Fixed appliances

Another type of removable braces that are connected, or constructed to work in unison, that can be worn on your upper and lower teeth.

Headgear

More accurately referred to as an appliance accessory, removable headgear is sometimes needed when used in combination with other appliances, like fixed braces, and is typically worn while you’re sleeping.

Invisalign

In the not too distant past, metal braces were very noticeable, uncomfortable and embarrassing to wearers, especially if your school mates liked to dish out unflattering terms about someone’s “metal mouth”. Flash-forward to today, and new orthodontia appliances like Invisalign have become popular alternatives to fixed metal braces.

Why choose braces?

While orthodontics can solve nearly every possible tooth alignment problem, successful treatment relies on good patient compliance. Wearing elastic bands consistently, keeping follow-up appointments for adjustments, and practicing outstanding home care can lead to a positive outcome. This commitment involves frequent preventive visits with your hygienist as well, a strategy that helps avoid cavities around brackets. The Carrollton Smiles team specializes in helping our orthodontic patients enjoy a successful outcome: a gorgeous, healthy smile.

Orthodontics with braces involves teeth straightening and jaw alignment, combining beauty and function. Identifying problems early in development may allow easier treatment with better results, but it’s never too late to discuss ways to enhance a smile!

Woman holding her clear aligners

What is Invisalign?

The field of orthodontics has advanced over the past few years with more patients opting for Invisalign than any other treatment option. Invisalign uses an intricate system of clear aligners to apply pressure to your natural teeth.

This moves the teeth into more uniform alignment and corrects issues like crowding, crookedness, spacing and malocclusions.

Invisalign is easy to wear and can be fully removed to properly clean and care for the teeth underneath.

Invisible dental braces on a table.

Why choose Invisalign?

You may need or want Invisalign because you don’t want metal braces but still need the benefits of orthodontic treatment. Your teeth might be crooked, crowded, spaced or you may have malocclusion issues like an underbite or overbite. For adults who have already undergone orthodontic treatment and failed to maintain their results, Invisalign is a clear and easy way to correct minor problems.

What makes you a candidate for Invisalign?

Invisalign treatment is ideal for teens and adults who are able to keep the aligners in place for at least 22 hours every day. Smaller children and younger teens who would otherwise remove the aligners and keep them out for extended periods of time may not be suitable for this particular option. However, the majority of patients who would like orthodontic treatment using Invisalign are good candidates and will benefit from it. Invisalign trays are especially beneficial for patients who want to be able to fully clean their teeth without working around metal brackets and wiring.

What happens during treatment using Invisalign?

The first step is coming in for a consultation with Dr. Bhandaru. The consult appointment allows us to get to know you and your teeth. During that appointment, we will take x-rays and other special images to create a personalized treatment plan. Impressions are then taken so that a new set of aligner trays can be made just for you

You will be instructed on when and how to wear the aligners and will need to remove them whenever you brush and floss your teeth. New aligners are made at each of your treatment appointments and it is important to keep up with these visits so that treatment isn’t prolonged.

If you would like to come in for a consultation for Invisalign, you can call us so that one of our staff members will schedule an appointment with Dr. B for you.

Why should I choose Invisalign?

The Invisalign products we use at Carrollton Smiles involve the wearing of a clear, removable tray, or trays, crafted from comfortable plastic that’s worn over your teeth during the day and while sleeping. Nearly unnoticeable to others, Invisalign has become a welcomed introduction for teeth straightening for Dr. Bhandaru’s patients with busy lifestyles, including teenagers, in-lieu-of wearing traditional metal braces.

For starters, Invisalign aligners, or “trays”, are almost invisible to others, and removable when brushing your teeth or eating. It’s been our experience that the trays are also very comfortable to wear, and easy to maintain. But Invisalign isn’t for everyone, as metal braces still perform best for people with more complicated teeth and bite misalignments. Overall, these are some of the reasons why our patients choose to wear Invisalign products to restore their natural smiles:

  • No eating discomfort due to removable tray feature
  • Gently realigns your teeth where they need to be
  • Can brush and floss your teeth completely when the trays are removed
  • Appliance is easy to care for
  • Smooth plastic used in trays is very comfortable and doesn’t rub against gums and cheeks
  • Improves a wearer’s self-confidence because of “invisibility” factor
  • Invisalign is more affordable and cost-effective than they thought!

How do I get started wearing Invisalign?

Plan on wearing Invisalign aligners for 6 to 18 months, which will depend on your level of compliance and the initial condition of your teeth and mouth. To customize your Invisalign trays, Dr. Bhandaru will first conduct a thorough mouth examination to determine if the appliance is right for you based on your misalignment. If you’re a candidate, our staff will then take X-rays, pictures and dental impressions to create a precise 3-D image of your teeth and mouth. That information is sent to our lab, and individualized Invisalign trays created within a few business days. We will call you when they’re ready, and upon pick-up provide you with detailed wear and care instructions. When your Invisalign treatment is finished, you’ll have a new smile to enjoy and share with others for years to come!

If you’d like more information on the transformative outcomes enjoyed by Invisalign wearers, or to schedule an initial Invisalign consultation with Dr. Bhandaru, call Carrollton Smiles in Carrollton, TX today at (972) 245-3455!

Dental expanders/ braces treatment in young children

It was previously believed that it is recommended to wait till all the baby teeth/primary teeth fall out to start the braces treatment. If your child has crowding or crooked teeth, excessive spaces between the teeth, deep bite or open bite, delayed falling out of the teeth,The American Association of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends early treatment with dental expanders to prevent more complex orthodontic problems later on.

Dr. Bhandaru recommends starting the dental expander process between the ages of 6 to 12 to help grow not only the jaws but also the airway and help with proper breathing, sleep in addition to creating room for the teeth to erupt.

The benefits of dental expanders are not limited to straight teeth but help improve the airways, breathing ability, reduction in allergies and also better development of the face and jaws.

If we can answer any of your questions about the reliable orthodontia care Dr. Bhandaru specializes in, or you’d like to get started restoring a natural smile in your family, call Carrollton Smiles in Carrollton, TX today at (972) 245-3455!

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Ready to get started?

If you’re ready to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bhandaru, we invite you to take the next step by clicking the ‘Book a Consultation’ link below. Alternatively, feel free to email us, and our team will be delighted to assist you in setting up your appointment.

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